Selecting a career coach

Sunday

Jul 14, 2013 at 6:00 AM

Q: I wasted $250 on a career coach and am not sure whether I chose the wrong one or if a career coach could really help me find a good professional job. What have other readers said about their successes with career coaches? — L.B.

A: Readers' opinions are a mixed bag with some significant disappointments, but overall, career coach ratings are positive. Here are a few suggestions to guide you through a rewarding career coach selection experience:

&8226;When choosing a career coach, to each his own. Know upfront what you need or want to improve. Career coaching includes many specialties, from pure job search, career management and career change, to a focus on interview training, job search letter writing and business startup. You can find a coach for whatever you need to upgrade. Whether or not it all works out depends on a good match of your requirements with a coach's expertise and the chemistry between the two of you.

&8226;Referrals are always welcome, from friends or college career counselors. But a coach who satisfied a friend's career needs may lack the expertise for yours. Potential coaches should offer you a free consultation. Interview at least three coaches before making your choice.

&8226;Coaching credentials are highly desirable, but they alone don't guarantee you'll get what you seek. The leading coach organization is the International Coach Federation (coachfederation.org). Search for career coaches on LinkedIn for other leads.

&8226;Career coaching rates typically start at $100 an hour. Fees for executive coaching can echo lawyers' charges. Career coaching is pricey. But so is the cost of extended unemployment or underemployment.

Yes, I would try another career coach. But this time, be more selective in whom you partner with to add stars to your career.

Q: With young triplets at home, I would like to find an online vocational school to learn dressmaking. How? Where? — J.G.

A: Head over to the Distance Education and Training Council (detc.org), a nonprofit organization that accredits distance learning institutions. You can find courses on a huge variety of subjects, from 3-D modeling, boat-yacht design and digital photography, to dressmaking, solar panel installation and women's studies. The DETC website is easy to navigate: at the bottom of the homepage, click on "Institution Search."

Q: You recently gave a good explanation of what went wrong with an expected job offer when, for unknown reasons, a formerly friendly hiring authority shuts down contact. Does the same reasoning apply to an independent recruiter who has presented you to a client but later is impossible to reach? — S.Y.

A: Basically yes. If the job was filled, someone else won it. No one likes to deliver bad news. You may hear from that same recruiter again if another job that fits your talents surfaces.

Q: I graduated from college four years ago, have held my present job for most of that time and someday may seek graduate study. For my immediate goal, I'm looking to learn the finer points of developing my personal brand in the most efficient way. Advice? — P.P.W.

A: In the competitive marketplace for professionals and executives, there's a growing appreciation of the rewards gained from being recognizable in the right place at the right time when the opportunity comes along. That's what reputation-building branding can do for you.

Two pioneering coaches and leaders in trendy personal branding spheres have written a new book showing how to grow your brand with the memorable title of "Ditch, Dare, Do! 3D Personal Branding for Executives." Authors William Arruda and Deb Dib deliver a quick-start guide with workplace wisdom and tangible tips in short chapters. Just my kind of book, and it's available in both hardback and ebook formats and — gasp — even an app.